03 October 2012 - Community Learning in Society

SCOLA's Principal, Saboohi Famili, is addressing an audience of educators and government representatives on the role of Community Learning in Society. She will be speaking to those present on how the College encourages adults to enrol at SCOLA; What support services are available specifically for adult students; The advantages of returning to studies later in life: How colleges can help students maximise their potential; Providing apprenticeship programmes for adults so that they can prepare for future employment; Helping students fund their journey through education; What FE colleges like SCOLA can do to encourage adult learning. Delegates will be given the opportunity to ask questions. The opening key note address was conducted by Prof Danny Saunders entitled New Challenges & New Chances: Moving forwards with Community Learning.

5 September 2012 - Tom Brake made Deputy Leader of the House of Commons

Congratulations to Tom Brake who, as part of David Cameron’s reshuffle, the MP for Carshalton and Wallington has been made a member of the government. MP Tom Brake was made the deputy leader of the House of Commons yesterday and said: “It is a great honour to have been appointed deputy leader of the House of Commons, in the mother of all Parliaments. “I will strive to do the job to the best of my ability, whilst ensuring that constituents' concerns - such as the need to maintain vital services at St Helier Hospital - are given the priority they deserve.” SCOLA wishes him all the best in his new role.

16 August 2012 - BBC Worldwide announces six finalists for its first Labs initiative

BBC Worldwide today revealed six UK based digital media start-ups to take part in the first Labs programme. More than 75 companies applied for this new scheme. The BBC Worldwide Labs programme seeks to work with the most dynamic emerging digital media companies in the UK. The finalists are MiniMonos, wireWAX, Foodity, Krowd 9, Flooved and KO-SU. These companies impressed members of the Board and Labs mentors during the month long deliberation process that included an in-person pitch session. The finalists are a mix of strategically aligned companies in areas ranging from education, cloud delivery, games, mobile, kids and video. The start-ups will be offered workspace within BBC Worldwide’s west-London based offices beginning September 10th for a six month period. They will also have the opportunity to work alongside specialists from across BBC Worldwide who can offer sound business advice in areas such as: technology, content, marketing, sales and distribution, advertising, PR, HR, legal among others. The team behind Labs has also devised a bespoke programme of inspiring talks and networking events including an inauguration event for Labs start-ups to present to the community of mentors a session on Asset Creation and Funding at the Google Campus and a Social Media Event is planned for London Internet Week in November to name a few. Whilst BBC Worldwide is not seeking to inject money into the selected companies, it is hoped that commercial deals and partnerships will transpire, thus helping to catapult the start-ups to their next level of success. This looks to be an exciting programme and we look forward to following the development of the programme.

7 July 2012 - Jubilee Summer Concert

The SCOLA Choir, together with the Singing for Pleasure group and the Tollingbourne Accordion Orchestra, presented their summer concert at St. Paul’s Church, Northey Avenue, Cheam on 7th July at 7.30pm. The event was a great success and enjoyed by those that attended! Well done!

3 July 2012 – Orchard Hill College Award Ceremony

SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, attended the Orchard Hill College, Wallington, award ceremony at the Old Town Hall on Tuesday, 3rd July. She said that it was a privilege to be present at the ceremony and to be able to share in the students’ achievements. This is one of the highlights on the Principal’s calendar. It is always a pleasure for her to be part of this exuberant celebration of achievements on the part of the hard working students and their dedicated tutors and support workers. Caroline Allen OBE, Principal of Orchard Hill College, presented the prizes, together with Peter Simpson (Executive Head of Education, Learning & Intervention - London Borough of Sutton), Neil Roberts (Head of Area Relationship Team – Skills Funding Agency) and Orchard Hill College’s Chair of Governors, Mavis Peart.

Congratulations to Caroline Allen and her excellent team for yet another year of successful achievements for their learners.

25 June 2012 - AoC Summer Reception

The Association of Colleges (AoC) Summer reception took place on Monday 25 June 2012 from 4 – 6pm, The Terrace, House of Commons. The event was hosted by Stephen Lloyd MP. At the event, the AoC launched their new publication ‘On the right course’, which celebrates the wide range of courses Colleges offer their communities, often reflecting their region or city’s heritage and industry. The event provided those present with an opportunity to meet their President for the 2012-13 academic year, Maggie Galliers, Principal of Leicester College. In the presence of Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, John Hays, Maggie launched the AoC’s latest publication “On the Right Course” which showcases and highlights the depth and breadth of provision that colleges provide by giving examples from colleges across the UK. Minister John Hays also addressed the attendees outlining the three challenges he saw as prominent and pressing matters for the sector. You can see a short video of the ministers address on you tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rowgfly4HW0 A great time was had by those who attended.

13 June 2012 - Opportunity Sutton

SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, is attending an event at the Holiday Inn, Sutton, entitled “Opportunity Sutton”, which is an inward investment event. The event will showcase Sutton's town centre footfall, the excellent transport links and support for business, as well as highlight the many commercial development opportunities and demonstrate why business should choose Sutton as their home. Some of the topics covered will be : The Sutton Opportunity – People, Place, Prosperity – focus on the Sutton offer, why do key businesses choose to relocate here; Sutton: the top five assets – what is for sale, Sutton’s top five development opportunities ; Hackbridge – a flagship sustainable borough – plans for new eco-friendly homes, the Neighbourhood plan; Sutton’s retail and leisure offer; Housing opportunities; Sutton – open for business – the commercial offer; Sutton – the place to live – skills, housing, accessibility, parks, sustainability; What Sutton can do for you – funding. Vince Cable MP is the keynote speaker for the event. SCOLA’s Principal is taking part in the session entitled ‘Sutton as a place to live’ which includes looking at why Sutton remains a top choice to live, work and invest because of its quality of life.